Garma 2024: Albanese acknowledges ‘pain’ of Voice, renews focus on economic empowerment

The Prime Minister has committed $20m to a new tertiary institute in the NT, along with several initiatives to boost economic empowerment in Indigenous communities, telling the Garma Festival his “optimism for a better future still burns”.

Fia Walsh

@fiawalsh

less than 2 min read

August 3, 2024 - 1:17PM

GULKULA, AUSTRALIA. NewsWire Photos. AUGUST 3, 2024. The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attends The Garma Festival of Traditional Cultures Australia's largest Indigenous cultural gathering is underway in Gulkula northeast Arnhem Land. Picture:Nina Franova via NewsWire

Northern Territory

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Anthony Albanese says economic empowerment for Indigenous Australians will be a focus of his government, marking a path forward as he vows not to “rake through the ashes” of the failed Voice referendum.

The Prime Minister delivered a key note address at the Garma Festival on Saturday, acknowledging “pain” over the No result but saying his “optimism for a better future still burns”.

“Together, we gave our all and we fell short,” he said.

“I understand, particularly for those who had dedicated years of their life to this cause, the pain is still raw.

“We can close the gap. These aspirations for a better future did not end last October, and nor did the respect, understanding and co-operation that will take us there.

“We understand that, in too many ways, ongoing progress remains at the mercy of political uncertainty.

“Changing this, building true and lasting self-determination requires economic security.”

GULKULA, AUSTRALIA. NewsWire Photos. AUGUST 2, 2024. The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attends The Garma Festival of Traditional Cultures Australia's largest Indigenous cultural gathering is underway in Gulkula northeast Arnhem Land. Picture: NewsWire/Melanie Faith Dove via NewsWire

The Prime Minister said he remained committed to Makarrata and supported the truth telling and treaty processes being undertaken by states and territories, however there was no overarching federal direction for these initiatives.

In his speech Mr Albanese committed $20m to build the Garma Institute, a new tertiary education and vocational centre in East Arnhem Land, to be owned and run by the Yolŋu people.

He also committed to a number of initiatives aimed at driving economic development.

These included a new partnership with the Coalition of Peaks, Indigenous community sector bodies aimed at generating economic empowerment at the community level.

GULKULA, AUSTRALIA. NewsWire Photos. AUGUST 2, 2024. The Garma Festival of Traditional Cultures Australia's largest Indigenous cultural gathering is underway in Gulkula northeast Arnhem Land. Picture: NewsWire/Melanie Faith Dove via NewsWire

As part of the Future Made in Australia agenda to fund clean energy technology, the government will partner with the First Nations Heritage Protection Alliance to connect traditional owners with investors.

Mr Albanese said this would mean “investors and developers, companies and job creators can directly contact communities, and ensuring that investment in Northern Australia delivers practical benefits”.

In efforts to similarly empower urban communities and encourage higher rates of Indigenous home ownership, Mr Albanese promised to boost the investment, borrowing and lending power of Indigenous Business Australia.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people deserve a real say in the economic development of the land you call home,” he said.

“And you deserve your fair share of the benefits that flow from it.”